South West Coast

A must on any Sri Lankan itinerary, the south western coast boasts the perfect mix of beach and culture along with offering ideal stops between the wilds of Yala. Hugging the coastline, common stops include Bentota, Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama and Mirissa.

Bentota is a great place to relax with its pristine beaches and is home to the Lunuganga Estate, the beautifully landscaped country home of the famed Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Undoubtedly a favourite stop is Galle.

Although divided into two parts, its beating heart is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort. Standing since the early 16th century, this fortified city allows you to step back in time with bastions and ramparts overlooking the ocean. Within the fort a well-preserved colonial city awaits, Dutch period villas and churches stand along the low-rise streets. The quaint street atmosphere is home to boutique villas, cafes and shops.

A short drive away is Unawatuna Bay, a seaside village which offers a beautiful palm tree lined beach favourable for swimming and snorkelling. Known for its white tea, Handunugoda Tea Estate is also only 45 minutes away from Galle. Popular amongst the surfers is the hotspot of Weligama, whilst excursions for dolphin and whale watching can be had at Mirissa, also famed for its long stretches of sandy beach and stunning sunset vistas.